The Falcons got the final shutout. After notching two first-half goals, Severna Park limited Mount Hebron’s dynamic attack for a 2-0 win at Loyola University to complete a perfect season and claim its first state title in 20 years.
“From Day One, we always said, ‘Just win every game; earn the next day’ — and we earned them all,” goalkeeper Lily Diedrich said. “I think that’s pretty awesome.”
The Falcons (17-0) trailed South River in their postseason opener but never allowed another goal. Severna Park “never wanted to be in a losing situation again,” center back Ryn Feemster said, and its two goals within a minute late in the first half ensured the Falcons wouldn’t be Saturday.
Sara Kreis’s shot from outside the penalty box found the net in the 34th minute, and Ava Scott doubled Severna Park’s advantage within 60 seconds after getting behind the Vikings’ defense. Following the second goal, Severna Park’s attackers knew they could rely on the defense.
“[It felt] very, very, very comforting,” Scott said. “I know how skilled they are, how aggressive they are … They’re very calm and composed in the back even when it is really stressful.”
A back line featuring Feemster, Emerson Scott, Francesca Dunoyer and Caitlyn Boucher, whom Scott called the team’s “core four,” along with Diedrich proceeded to do what Severna Park did all season — control possession and keep its opponent, this time Mount Hebron (15-2), far from the net.
Severna Park ended up with its 14th shutout and finished its season with just three goals allowed. That let the Falcons celebrate their first state championship since 2003.
“I’ve been kind of dreaming of this moment ever since I was little. I always prioritized soccer as my main sport,” said Feemster, a VCU lacrosse commit. “[My] senior year, I was like: ‘This is it. This is our last chance, especially for our senior class.’ And I just wanted it.”